Blood Flow Velocity: Possible Visual Function Indicator in MS

Microcirculation aberrations may be more widespread in this disease than previously thought.

RO Staff

While determining retinal inter-eye correlations in blood flow velocities in healthy controls, researchers found that arteriolar and venular blood flow velocities may be reduced in eyes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Because the reduction was found in eyes of MS patients both with and without optic neuritis history, they believe that global blood flow alterations may be a possible part of the disease process in that cohort.

Researchers suggest that relatively higher blood flow velocities could be physiologically relevant for visual function in patients with MS but require further exploration and validation. They also conclude that the claim that microvascular alterations in the MS disease process may be widespread also requires further investigation and definitive confirmation.